Fynste Java Speelkaarten

B. Dondorf: Fynste Java Speelkaarten No.17

Dondorf produced this fine chromolithographed pack for Gumprich & Strauss in Batavia, Java, now Jakarta, in which the four Aces illustrate scenes from the former Dutch East Indies during the colonial period. The pack was published to commemorate the second marriage of King William III with Princess Emma of Waldeck-Pyrmont, on January 7, 1879. The Kings and Queens are members of the Dutch Royal Family. The four Jacks are Dutch soldiers (Hearts = artillery, Diamonds = cavalry, Spades = infantry, Clubs = Marines). The Jack of Clubs has a small Dondorf logo. The deck continued to be published into the early 1930s with small indices (A, K, D, B) added in c.1910.

Above: Dondorf's "Fynste Java Speelkaarten No.17" published for Gumprich & Strauss in Batavia to commemorate the second marriage of King William III with Princess Emma of Waldeck-Pyrmont in 1879. Printed by chromolithography: 52 cards in box, no Joker: 92x65mm. The Kings and Queens are members of the Dutch Royal Family. The King of Diamonds = Prince Alexander and the Queen of Diamonds = Princess Marianne; the King of Clubs = Prince Henry and the Queen of Clubs = Princess Marie; the King of Hearts = King William III and the Queen of Hearts = Queen Emma, Princess of Waldeck-Pyrmont; the King of Spades = Prince William of Orange and the Queen of Spades = Princess Sophie. Images courtesy Barney Townshend,